"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development," Cruzado said in an MSU press release. "Through this appointment, I look forward to helping advise the U.S. Agency for International Development on nutrition and global agricultural issues and projects."

Board members come largely from the academic community. The board recognizes the critical role of land-grant universities in agricultural development, according to the release.

"Waded is a tremendous educator and a talented leader," Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., told MSU. "During her tenure, Montana State has grown as a leader in agricultural research and strengthened our number-one industry. Her talent and hard work will help solve one of the world's greatest problems: global hunger."

Cruzado was NMSU interim president for 10 months after former president Mike Martin left the university to become Louisiana State University chancellor in July 2008.

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After a failed presidential search, Cruzado was asked to step down as interim president and return to her position as executive president and provost, presumably so she could be considered for president. She was not on the list of candidates included in a second search, and took the helm at MSU in Janurary 2010.

Obama also appointed University of Missouri Chancellor Brady J. Deaton chair of the board and Harold L. Martin, chancellor of North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, a member of the board.